Prior Lake at Burnsville
7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13

Edina is the prohibitive favorite to emerge from Class 2A, Section 2 again this winter, but securing the second seed behind the Hornets is a bit of a toss-up. The two most likely candidates for that spot go head-to-head this Saturday night as No. 11 Prior Lake (1-1-1) visits No. 9 Burnsville (2-2-0).

The Blaze have been a tight defensive unit through four games, allowing no more than three goals in any game. It’s a style that works for an inexperienced team with a senior leader on defense, Jack Ahcan (0-4-4), and strong goaltending with Dyllan Lubbesmeyer (2-2-0, 2.50, .908). But with youth comes ups and downs, as the Blaze followed up an impressive 6-3 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret’s with a disappointing 3-1 loss to Minnetonka last week.

Prior Lake has been a mirror image of Burnsville, also not allowing more than three goals in any game, including a 5-2 victory over Section 2 rival Bloomington Jefferson in its most recent game. The Lakers broke an offensive drought after falling behind 2-1 early in the second period, as Connor Clemons (5-2-7) finished off a hat trick to lead the rally. Clemons is the only Lakers player with more than one goal this season, although sophomore Kevin Fellows (1-4-5) has assisted on many of Clemons’ goals.